Why your Google reviews aren't showing, and what to do
Google reviews usually go missing for one of a few reasons: Google is still checking the review against its policies, which can take a few days; the review broke a policy and was removed; or your profile was merged, reinstated or had reviews switched off. Each has a different fix, and a few have none.
By Ranjit Shah, Founder, Flexi LocalPublished · How we write
The reasons Google gives
| What's happening | What it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A new review hasn't appeared yet | Google checks reviews against its policies first. In some cases this takes a few days. | Wait a few days before worrying. |
| A review disappeared | It was probably removed for breaking Google's policies, for example as spam or fake engagement. | Removed reviews aren't restored. Make sure you aren't breaking Google's review rules. |
| Reviews vanished after merging profiles | Reviews from both profiles can take a few days to show after a merge. | Wait a few days. |
| Reviews vanished after a suspension | Your profile was reinstated but reviews haven't come back. | Contact Google Business Profile support. |
| A customer says they can't post | Older phones or out-of-date apps can cause problems. | Ask them to update Google Maps, or use a computer. |
| No reviews allowed at all | Google sometimes switches reviews off for some profiles or categories, including schools for ages 6 to 18. | If the school category is wrong for you, change your category. |
Check you're not causing it
Google removes reviews that look like fake engagement, and removed reviews aren't put back. These common habits can trigger it:
- Asking staff, friends or family to review you.
- Offering discounts or gifts for reviews.
- Collecting reviews on a tablet in your shop while customers wait.
- A sudden burst of reviews after months of none, all from a single request.
Tip: Ask every customer, with a direct link, a little at a time. Steady reviews from real customers are the ones that stay.
If a genuine review is missing
- Ask the customer to check it's still on their own Google Maps profile, under Your contributions.
- If it's there for them but not on your profile, it may still be under review. Give it a few days.
- If many genuine reviews vanish at once, or after a reinstatement, contact Google Business Profile support at support.google.com/business/gethelp.
- You can also ask in the Google Business Profile Help Community.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help: About missing or delayed reviews
- Google Business Profile Help: Report inappropriate reviews on your Business Profile
- Google Maps: Prohibited and restricted content
Citing these figures? Please link to this page. If you spot a figure that's out of date, email hello@flexilocal.com.
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